Experience of transition between a child and adolescent service and adult service for the treatment of eating disorders

Experience of transition between a child and adolescent service and adult service for the treatment of eating disorders Jackie Wales, Nicola Brewin, Karima Susi, Alison Eivors, Debbie Whight, Rheanne Leatherland Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp.128-142 There is a dearth of research on what constitutes effective transfer of care from children’s and young people services to adult services for patients with eating disorders (EDs) in the UK. Transition has implications for continuity of care and particularly for early intervention which has the best prognosis. The purpose of this paper is to understand the experience of transition and identify facilitators and barriers to this. Qualitative methodology was used. Focus groups (n = 4) were held with clinicians (n = 22) working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services or adult ED services. Individual interviews were conducted with patients (n = 5) who had commenced/completed transition to adult services and with parents/carers (n = 6) of patients invited for interview. A number of factors may facilitate or impede transition and can be grouped into the broad themes of communication, managing the differences between services and timing of transition. Improvements in communication, clear explanation of service differences and flexibility around the timing of transitions may enhance the experience for patients and parents/carers. The service evaluation was limited to tran...
Source: Mental Health Review Journal - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research